Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Erna's Elderberry House - Oakhurst, CA

Fathers Day Dessert

Sometimes you don't "go out to eat', you
"go out to dine". Erna's Elderberry House, known as one of the best restaurants
in the US, knows exactly how to deliver the perfect ambiance, service and food
experience to allow you to do just that - dine.

Erna, born in
Austria has impeccable taste and knows how to spoil her guests in this truly
beautiful restaurant. She spared no expense to make her guests feel make you feel like a king, or queen. Including details like the antique
doors she purchased in France and other antique decorations that make the decore truely unique. Even more importantly the staff is friendly and extraordinarily well trained.

Chef Gunnar Thompson & Pastry Chef Luisito
Gonzales delivered a perfect Fathers day Brunch experience in 2012 and I can
only recommend this jewel in the Sierra Mountains to anyone that likes to
experience a truly remarkable and different dining experience.

Menu Carte

Snow White Peach Frappe

with Cinnamon Froth

(Refreshing and rather surprising
start)

Toasted Almond Granola Parfait

Apricot-Poppyseed Yogurt with
marinated Plums

(Everything is "home"
made)

Local Farm Egg Frittata

Asparagus, Yellow Fin Potatoes, Sweet
Corn & Pepper Relish

(These individually poached egg
dishes came with a side of spring greens and Prosciutto - perfectly executed
and balanced flavors. And yes, it was not "pre-washed" salad out of
the bag, which bothers me in most every place)

Seared Filet Tournedos of Durham
Ranch Beef

Creamed Spinach with Parmisano
Reggiano & Nutmeg

Roasted Small Tomatoes, Cured
Fennel & Basil Infused Jus

(The filets literally melted in
your mouth - no one asked how you wanted it cooked...there was only one right
way - medium rare. The tomatoes where miniature heirlooms and the composition
of flavors was executed to perfection. Of course there was also a fish
and a chicken dish, which looked fantastic on our neighbor's tables)

Dessert:

Warm Dark Chocolate Truffle

Riesling Mousseline, Local
Berries & Raspberry Sorbet

(Only one word: DELICIOUS)

All of the above came with generously free flowing
Rose Champagne or Non Alcohol Sparkling Cider, Coffee/Tea, fresh baked Brioche
and Croissant.

At $60/ person worth every cent and yes, we left very satisfied with
quality and quantity. People that still claim that they are hungry after
a 5+ course of a nuvel cuisine menu are either not telling the truth, or should
choose Sizzlers instead.

About Me

The goal of this blog is to share my favorite food finds and dining experiences with people that enjoy good food and/or love cooking. Most of the eateries will be located in and around the Westlake Village and San Fernando Valley area, but will also include any noteworthy travel destinations.
Being a former German/Swiss Chef can be a curse as it is rare that I am completely happy with a meal and the service. I love excellent, down to earth foods - it does not have to be fancy, though I enjoy that too.
To add variety of tastes and places I will over time add a few selected people that can post their food, wine and beer related experiences to this blog.